Tragic Incident On Pacific Coast Highway: A Call For Safety Reforms

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has long been a scenic route, drawing visitors and locals alike with its breathtaking views. However, this beautiful roadway has also become the site of tragic accidents, leading to calls for significant safety reforms. In October 2023, a devastating incident claimed the lives of four Pepperdine University students and injured another. This heartbreaking event has sparked outrage and legal action against various local and state agencies.

The families of the victims are pursuing justice through lawsuits aimed at the state of California, the California Department of Transportation, and other responsible parties. They argue that the design of PCH is perilous and that necessary safety measures have been neglected. This incident has become a rallying point for those advocating for enhanced pedestrian safety and better traffic management along the highway.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left grappling with the loss of young lives and the pressing need for change. Advocates are urging local authorities to take immediate action to improve safety measures on the PCH, ensuring that no other families have to endure such a tragedy in the future.

The families of the four Pepperdine University students who were struck and killed on Pacific Coast Highway last year and a fifth student who was injured in the incident have sued the local and state agencies they say are responsible for the deadly roadway.

In four separate lawsuits filed in the Santa Monica Courthouse, the families are collectively suing the state of California, the California Department of Transportation, the California Coastal Commission, Los Angeles County, and the city of Malibu, arguing that the design of PCH is dangerous and officials failed to implement adequate safety measures. The injured student, Carlos Solloa, joined the lawsuit brought by the families of two of the students who were killed.

In October 2023, four seniors at Pepperdine who were Alpha Phi sorority sisters — Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams — were killed by a car traveling more than 100 mph that slammed into them as they were standing next to cars parked on a stretch of the roadway known as “Dead Man’s Curve.”

“For far too long, Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu has been — and continues to be — unsafe for pedestrians and drivers alike,” said attorneys for the plaintiffs in a joint statement, adding, “As a result of the defendants’ complacency, far too many lives have been needlessly lost.”

Spokespeople for the Coastal Commission and Caltrans said the agencies cannot comment on pending litigation.

“We understand the legal actions filed by the families in their pursuit of accountability, and the City respects their right to seek justice,” the city of